Vacuum capping machine



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'W. J. PEELLE VACUUM GAPPING MACHINE Filed Sept. l5, 1921 4 Sheets-Shed'I 2 May 19, 1925.

W. J. PEs-:1.1.5 VACUUM CAPPING'MACHINE Fldsep'f.. 15, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 NVNTQR.

W. J.\F=EELLE 'VACUUM CAPPI-.NG MACHINE Filed'Sept. 15, 192.1 4 Sheets-Shet 4 l n. me

Y W LME fia@ T T Y IS I Patented May 19, 1925= 7 UNITED STATES.

PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIS J'. PEELLE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

VACUUM carriNG MACHINE.

Application leillseptember 1921. SerialNo. 500,724.

Chicago, in the county ofvCook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and use` ful Improvements -in Vacuum Capping Machines, of which the following is a specifi'- cation.

The invention relates to vacuumcapping machines and more particularly tov an automatic machine for sealing in a vacuum the manual manipulation in operation, some emcaps or other closures upon .glass jars, .tumblers, bottlesand the like, in-continuous progressive operation.

In theI art of preserving food stuifsiand other perishable substances it is desirable to exhaust the air from the container after illing, and seal itina vacuum for the pro-v tection of the contents. Commercial machines heretofore used for that purpose have been inadequate in that their processes'are comparatively. slow and require much ploying large tanks inl which the containers are placed and thev air content of the tank then exhausted, and requiring 'multiple means for sealing the containers when exhausted.

It is the principal object of this invenF tion to provide a machine which a-utoinati.

cally exhausts and seals individual containers in rapid succession without manual handling.

Another object is to provide a machine in which the containers are passed through the machine/on a travelling carrier arranged to make intermittent pauses forithe/-operation of the sealing devices. A further object is fto provide automatic means for 'forming a vacuum chamber about the container lillin opening, the exhaustion of which requires te minimum displacement ot air and enables rapid eiicient operation in sealing the containers. Another object is to provide automatic moans in a machine of this character adapted to successively 'grasp and support a series of travelling containers during the sealing operation, and simultaneously effect an air seal about a portion of the container.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent in the following description of a vpreferred embodiment of invention, which I haveI illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawlngs, Figurel represents an end'elevation of a complete machine. Fig'.

2` represents a side elevation of the same machine. Fig. 3 represents a plan view of that portion of the machine lying below the horizontal plane of the line 3 3 in Fig. 1." Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional plan view of a portion of one side of the machine taken on the lane of the line 4 4 `in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a ragmentary Vertical section taken on the plane of the line 5-5in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional detail o t largedv detail of the 'reverse side of the slide members illustrated in Fig. land Fig. 8 is a horizontal section taken on the plane of the line 8- 8 in Fig. 1.- `Fig. 9 is a'fragmentary Vsectional view taken' substantially in the plane Voline 9-9 of Fig..8.

` Stated generally, my invention as illustrated liereinxcomprises' a horizontal belt conveyor which is driven with regularly distanced intermittent'pauses and is adapted to carry the containers standing .thereon in upriglitposition. A pair of side chains serve to retain the containers on the beltand have means for .regularly spacing the containers. Midway ofthe conveyor belt a pair offresiliently lined clamping members are caused to successively embrace the Vpassing containeis and hold the latter at rest durin the period of pause of the mechanism Whi e yan overhead reciprocating device is lowered in` contact with the rings to form a vacuum he clamping and sealing members.v Fig. 7is an enthe latter device operates'to exhaust the air from the chamber and the containerand a plunger seats the container lcap in position to eiiect the closure of the latter.' With the resumption of the operation of the' machine the containers are released and carried on to the discharge end of the conveyor. The containers may be placed on and taken off the vconveyor by handA or by machine.

Obviously my invention may be incorporated in aivai'iety of structural embodiments,

and I desire it to be understood that the form disclosed herein is merely for purposes of illustration, all legitimate variations and modifications of Which I aim to cover in the subjoined claims.

More particularly described, the machine as illustrated comprises a-main frame having upright skeleton side members 1 and 2 suitably cross connected as at 3. The side members are preferably formed with horizontal tables 4 and 5 on their upper portions. Upright bearing supports 6 and `7 also may be laterally mounted on theside members of the frame. Positioned atA each end` of the frame and adjacent to its upper surface are a pair of shafts 8 and 9 journaled in suitable bearings 10 and 11 secured to the end surfaces of the .framel members.

Each of the shafts carries a roller orv belt' pulley 12 and 13 upon which is vmounted a continuous conveyor belt 14, of any suit-A able material,` the upper run of which is parallel to the horizontal upper surfaces ofthe frame. The bearing 10 for the shaft 8 may be constructed for horizontally adjusting the osition of the shaft so that suitable tension may at all times be mainf tained on the conveyor belt.

The conveyor belt 14 is arranged to operate With intermittent progress, during the pauses of which the sealing operations are performed asA hereinafter described. The inter-mittent propulsion of-the conveyor may be`accomplished by means of an interruptedly driven train of gears. In my present arrangement, the latter comprises a shaft 15 mounted transverselyof the lower portionof the main frame, and carrying a pulley 16 which is driven by a belt 17 from a motor 18 suitably mounted on a lower cross member of themain frame. For convenience of illustration I have shown a simple belt connection for the primary power transmission which, however, in practice may include a jack shaft andspeed reduc.- ing pulleys or reduction gears to reduce the speed of the mechanism driven thereby to a rate suitable to 'the particular requirements under operating conditions.`

The shaft. 15 extending through the side members of the frame carries at one end a cam member 19 having a generally circular peripheryand a radially extending lobe 20 projecting therefrom. Operatively associated with the cam is a driven member 21 carried on a shaft 22 also journaled in the frame, andwhose periphery is provided with a series of regularly spaced notches 23 suitably formed to receive the single lobe of the cam 19. The peripheral spaces between the notches are concavely curved to receive the circular portion of the cam periphery, and the latter is recessed at the sides of the cam lobe to permit the passagel of those portions of the notched member immediately adjacent to the notches.

member and the It will here be seen that in the operation of the cam member the driven member is intermittently advanced by engagement of the cam lobe, further revolution of the drivenmemberbeing prevented by the interengagement .of the circular periphery of the cam member with the inwardly curved portion of the driven member between the notches.

The driven member 21 has associated therewith inlixed relation a gear 24, both gear and driven member being loosely mounted on the shaft 22 and retained thereon against longitudinal.displacement by any suitable means as by collar 25. The gear 24 is in driving engagement ,with a pinion 26 mounted on a stu shaft 27 journaled on the bearing support 7 and carrying at its other end a gear 28.4 The latter gear drives a pinion 29 rigidly mounted on the shaft 22. Fixed on the opposite end of the shaft 22 is a gear 30 which is in driving engagement with a gear 3l mounted on the shaft 32 journaled on the ends of the members of the main frame. The shaft 32 carries also a pinion 33 engaging the gear 34 fixed on the shaft 9 which carries the conveyor belt pulley 13.

In the operation of the train of gears just described it will be `apparent that the conveyor belt will be advanced only during engagement of the camlobe 20 with the driven member 21, and that during the balance of the rotation of the cam the conveyor belt will be at rest. The distance and frequency of the progressive movement of the conveyor may be arranged at any 'desired proportion by changing the relative diameters of the cam member and its driven number lof notches in the latter.

Side guiding chains 35 and 36 are designed to pass along the upper face-of the conveyor belt adjacent to its outer edges, serving to retain the containers being carried by the conveyor, and also to regularly space and aid in propelling the containers on the belt. The latter purpose may be accomplished by means of regularly spaced projecting teet 37 carried by the chains and projecting inwardly over the conveyor.

The guide chains 35 and 36 are operatively supported at each end by sprockets 3S to 41 mounted on vertical spindles journaled in the upper ortion of the main frame. One each of t 1e two sprockets supporting each ofthe chains is power driven. A bevelled gear 42 mounted on the lower end of the spindle carrying the sprockethS is in driven engagement with a bevelled gear 43 splined on the shaft,22, the latter gear having suitable means for securing it in longitudinally adjusted position on the shaft. l

In' order to accommodate 'containers of different dimensions it is desirable to adjust or vary the distance between the guide chains 35 and 36 and for this purpose I have provided adjustablel mountings for, the sprockets for both chains as illustrated in connection with chain 35 in Fig. 4. The spindles 44 and 44 operate in bearing plates 45 which overlie horizontal 4extensions '46 formed on the upper portions of theframe members 1 and 2. The plates 45 are slotted as at 47 through which latter binding bolts 48 are secured in the main frame. By this means the oppositely positioned Isprockets may be moved transversely-ot` the frame and I variously spaced.

The driven spindle '49 carrying .the bev# elled gear 42 is operatively connected with the oppositely positioned.'spindle 44. Each of the spindles 49 and 44 carries a pinion 50 and 51, which is in' mesh with one of a pair of intermediate gears 52 and 53 jour,- naled on pins carried in' a pair of swinging arms 54 andg55 mounted on the-respective sprocket spindles. The gears 52 and 53 arev secured in interengagingrelation by means of a link 56 extending between the journal pins. It will here be seen that with the separation of the chain driving sprockets in the adjustment described, the intermediate gears will be swung on the supporting arms 54' and 55 to compensate for the varied distance between lthe `spindles `and be constantly in mesh. y

In my preerred arrangement of a mechaf nism for operating the clamping members, I

have mounted on each side of the central portion of the conveyor belt av pair of disks 57 and 58 rotatable on vertical journals 59 and 60 mounted on the upperv horizontal portions 5 and 4 of the main frame. The

outer 'peripheries of the disks vare formedwith sprocket teeth to engage the links of the guide chains 35 andA 36 and be rotated thereby. Each of the disks'carries a/series4 of radiallyprojecting members 61 which comprise the clamping members for securing the containers in position for the sealing operation, and which also forma portion of the vacuum chamber. The members 61 are referably formed as half rings vprojecting beyond the peripheries'of thedisks and having their bases extended for support on the disks.I The clamping members are positioned on the disks so that with the rotation of the latter they meet in opposition above the conveyor'belt and together form an enclosing ring adajited to embrace thecontainer (see 62 in ig. y1) as near the mouth of the latter as its contour will permit. The contacting surfaces of the clamping members are faced with a resilient lining 63, preferably rubber, which is adapted to effect an air-tight seal between the oppositely contacting clamping members and the container embraced therebetween. Each ofthe clamping members is mounted on a vertical stem 64 (see Fig. 5) secured in suitable bearing bushings v65 rotatably mounted in the disk, the latter carrying at its lower end a cross arm66 (see Fig. 4) which is fixed centrally upon the'bushing. The cross arm carries a roller 67 lat one end thereof, and to the other end of the arm is attached a tension spring 68 having iXe'd attachment at its other end upon a collar 69 formed in` tegila-l with the .disk 58 and 'rotatingtherewit Positioned beneath each of the disks and serving as supports for the jo-urnals 59 and 6() upon which the disks operate, is a bearing plate 70 adjustably secured to the upper horizontal portions of `thev main frame. vThat portion of the bearing plate :immediately underlying the disk is recessed as l Vance of the travel of the disk so that the` openings adapted to receive the containers 'approach each other squarely as represented in the dotted figuresl 73 and 74 (Fig. 3). Likewise when the clamping members release the containers theyl are separated through the operation ot the`cam means in like relation. Thisprovision 'prevents the striking of the containers with the corners of the clamping members and also permits the latter to close about the containers evenly and to effect contact thereaboutv simultaneously. In accommodating diferent sizes of containers, the clamping members 61 may bereplaced by those of different dimensions, and the adjustment of the relative spacing of the disks 5-7 and 58 may be accomplished by the transverse movement of the adjustable supportin bearing plates 7() which, as illustrated in 1 ig. 4, are constructed with slots 75 through which the bolts 76 extend for securing the bearing plate to the upper member of the main` 'vcrankpositioned therebetween. One end of the crank shaft extends outwardly to support a 4sprocket 80 which is driven by a sprocket chain 81 operating also on a driving sprocket 82 carried on the shaft 83 transversely journaled on the main frame. The shaft 83 also carries a'sprocket 84 which is driven by a chain 85 running to the sprocket 86 carried on the shaft 15 and receiving power therefrom for the operation of the crank shaft 79. It will be noted that the connections are such that the ycrank shaft 79 is in continuous operation while all of the other mechanism hereinbefore described is intermittently at rest. Y.

Carried on the inner surfaces of the upright portions of the standards 77 and 78 are a pair of slideways (see Fig. 8), that on one side being of the ordinary slotted rail construction illustrated at 87. The other of said slides comprises a plate 88 secured to the inner side of the standard -78 andlhaving anundercut tongue extending inwardly to receive the slide block 89 which vmay be adjustably Vsecured thereto in any vert-ical position by means of the hand lever 90 having an eccentric pin extending into the .slide member 91 and adapted th reby \the block 88. The slide block 89 carries a slotted rail portion on its inner side between which and the opposite slide rail 87 is positioned a reciprocating cross head 92 carrying a pair of upwardly extending lugs 93.

` Between the two lugs is pivoted one end ofaJ connecting vrod 94 which has a bearing at the other end upon the `crank throw in the crank shaft 79. vThe connecting rod '94 is constructed with .a turn buckle 95 by means of which the length of the rod may be varied to adjust the relative position of the range of movement of the cross head'92.

Sup orted in the lower end of the cross head see Fig. 6) is a tubular stem. 96 extending downwardly ytherefrom and carrying at its lower end a rigid plate or disk 979` Mounted also upon the tubular stem is a cup-shaped member 98 through the wall of which 'the stem slidably extends, the lower portion of the cup extending beyond the plate- 97 and carrying at. its lower edge a resilient gasket 99 preferably of rubber. The cup-shaped member 98 is `constructedto provide a stuiiin "box comprising the cap 100 screw-threadec upon the upper extension 101 o'f the cup member and providing space therebetween for suitable packing material 102v for-maintaining air-tight contact between the cup-shaped member and fthe stem 96 upon which it slides. The cupshaped member is urged downwardly into abu.' .nent with the end plate 97 by means of a compression spring 108 having its. up-

per abutment againstthe lock nut 104, whichsecures the hollow stem 96 in tion of the cross head.

As each container is embraced between the opposing pair of clamping members 61 thev conveying mechanism is interrupted in the lower porits operation, and the container held at l of the container 62.

Upon the complete sealing of .a vacuum chamber as thus described, I have provided means for exhausting the air from the chainber and consequently from the container through the passage 105in the tubular stem 96. This passage extends upwardly through the cross head (see Figs.` 1 and 7) and connects `with a lateral passage 10G extending to the Side of the crosshead and opening through the face of the sliding surface. Formed inthe slide block 89 is a port 107- opening also through the surface of -the slideway and with which is connected a pipe 108 leading through the valve 109 and thence to a suitable vacuum pump (not shown). The valve 109 is arranged -to be operated by means of the tripping arms 110 and 111 rigidly mounted in the cross head and so positioned as to engage in the reciprocation of the cross head above and below the operating arm 112 fixed on the stem of the valve.

The air passages and valves are so a1'- ranged that with the completion of the sealing of the members forming the vacuum chamber the passage 106 is in register with the, port 107, and at the moment of sealing venting ports' 109il and 109b of the valve 109 are connected so that the air within the chamber is immediately exhausted.

The further downward progress of the cross head and the stem 96 carries the plate 97 into Contact withthe cap or cover 113 (which has been previously loosely positioned on the container).- at the moment when-the exhaustion of the chamber is complete `and forces the cover into sealing contact with the container. facilitated b. the employement of a gasket 114 of sui-table material, as of rubber, placed between the edges of the mouth of the container and the cover.

At the end of the downward stroke of the plate 97. the valve 109 is further operated to close Ithe vvacuum pump line and vadmit outside air to the port 107 and the passages leading to the vacuum chamber, thereby restoring atmospheric pressure within the chamber. The cross head 952 then` begins its upward movement. which raises the plate 97 from the/cover of the container and in succession the cup-shaped The seal may be4 1,uss,se7

. member 98 is released from vthe clamping sages in the cross head, the slide block 89 may be raised or lowered as required, as previously described, so that the timing of the exhaustion of the chamber and the subsequent admission oi. atmospheric pressure may be accurately secured.

It will now be apparent that I have provided a machine for sealing in a vacuum, jars or other containers customarilyI employed in preserving perishable substances, which is' particularly adapted to Ithe rapid ei'iicienty and economical commercial accomplishment of the purposes set forth.

I claim as my invention:

l. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently operated conveyor adapted to carry a series of containers to be sealed,.a plurality ofl clamping members operable'in pairs to successively embrace said containers and form a lateral seal thereabout, a reciprpcable sealing head adapted to engage said clamping members and form therewith a sealed chamber enclosing the mouth of said container means associated with said sealing head through which to exhaust said sealed chamber and container, and means for sealing a closure on said container.

2. In an automatic vacuum sealing machine, j a conveyor adapted to carry a series of nonyielding containers 'having loosely placed closures, a pair of movable supports: positioned on opposite sides of said conveyor, a plurality of half ring clamping members mounted on said supports respectively, said members being adapted in the operation of said supports to meet in pairs and to yield--I ably embrace successive contalners, meansv for causing the intermittent operation of said conveyor and sup orts, and a reciprocable sealing head a apted to successively engage said closures upon said containers while said conveyor and said supports are at rest and to coact with said clamping members to form a sealing chamber about saidcontainers successively. i

In an automatic vacuum Sealing machine, means for propelling aI plurality of non-yielding containers -in spaced series, a pair of rotating supports'positioned on opposite sides of the path of said containers,

each of said supports having `a clamping member, said members being adapted to cooperatively clamp successive containers, and means coacting with said clamping members to form a sealing chamber about the successive containers While so clamped.

4C. In a machine of the class described, a-

pair of laterally spaced travelling guides having opposed projections adapted to regularly position and propel a series of containers to be sealed, and a plurality of laterally disposed clamping members, said clamping membersbeing arranged to move inpairs into opposed position about successive containers to secure the same, and means -coacting with said clamping members to form a sealing chamber about the successive A containers.

5. In a machine of the'class described, a conveyor adapted to carry aV series of containers to be sealed, a pair of laterally disposed travelling guides having means for regularly spacing said containers on said conveyor, a plurality of clamping members,

operable to successively embrace said containers and form a lateral seal thereabout, said conveyor, guides and clamping members being operatively arranged to pause as each container is so embraced, a reciprocable sealing head adapted to successively engage said clamping members during said pauses and form therewith a sealed chamber enclosing the mouth of a container, and means asociated`with said sealing head through Which-to exhaust and seal said container.

6. In a vacuum sealing machine, a conveyor adapted to carry a series of nonyielding containers to be sealed, laterally disposed groups of rotatably mounted clamping members operable across said conveyor in opposed pairs to successively embrace and secure said containers, and means enacting with said clamping members to 7. In a machine of the class described,

sealing head operable With said. clamping means to effect a sealed chamber about the mouth of said container,` automatic means through which the air may j be exhausted from said chamber and container, and automatic means for seating a closure upon said container, said exhausting means being automatically operable to restore atmospheric pressure Within said chamber when said closure is seated.

8. In a machine for vacuum sealing glass receptacles, a pair of horizontally arranged disks disposed in laterally opposite rela-tion to a series of moving containers, a plurality of clamping members spacedV about the eriphery of each of said disks, saidv disks eing rotatable in unison With the progress of said containers, means for moving said clamping members relative to the disks to cause them to cooperate in opposite pairs to form a clamping ring about the successive containers, andmeans coacting with said members to form a sealing chamber about said containers yWhile so clamped.

9. In a vacuum sealing machine, a pair of endless travelling guides operating in the same plane and adapted to propel a series of spaced containers, a pair of pivoted disks i oppositely positioned in relation to said containers and having driven engagement with said travelling gludes, and clamping members on the disks adapted to successively clamp^said containers in position to besealed while forming a seal thereabout.

10. A vacuum sealing machine comprising, in combination., a pair of endless flexible members operating in the same plane with portions in spaced parallel relation and adapted to move a series of containers in, a rectilinear path and in spaced relation, a sealing means arranged to operate upon the respective containers when the latter' are moved into a predetermined position by said moving means, and means for holding the containers in suclt predetermined position comprising a pair of rotary elements 'mounted for lateral adjustment with respect to the container-moving means.

l1. In a machine of the class described, a pair of-clamping devices adapted to successively clamp a series of moving containers, each of said devices comprising a rotating element having a plurality of clamping members adapted to cooperate with the clamping members ofthe other device, a rotatable stem supporting each of said clamping members and journaled in said element, a rocker arm' fixed on each of said stems, a stationary support for said disk having a recess -positioned substantiall concentric therewith, said reces's being a apted to vreceive said rocker arms with one end thereof in operative contact with the inner Wall of said recess, and tension ymeans tending to maintain such contact, the inner walls of said recess being arranged with a contour forming a cam operatively controlling the position of said rocker arms and thereby periodically swinging said clamping members in and out of radial relation to said clement.

12. In a machine of thel class described, a pair of clamping members adapted to rep ceive and hold a container at intermittent periods, apair of upright standards, a crank shaft mounted in said standards, a crosshead having slidable support on said standards and actuated by said crank shaft, a sealing head mounted on said cross-head adapted to cooperate in lowered position with said clamping members to form a sealed chamber about a portion of said container,

and means through'which the air may be ex' l resiliently supported cup-shaped member 4 having its base slidably supported on said stem and-having a resilient edge adapted to engage said clamping means to effect a sealed chamber about the mouth of said container,

means through which the air may be exv hausted from said chamber and container,

.and a plunger fixed on said stem with'in said cup-shaped member adapted'to be ad- .vanced by said stem to forcibly seat a closure u n said container while so exhausted. 14. n a machine of the class described, a pair of standards, slideways on said standards, a reciprocating cross-head supported in said slideways, a tubular stem on said cross-head, a 4cup-shaped member mounted on said stem adapted to complete a sealed enclosure about a portion of a container to permit exhaustion of the air therefrom, a passage in said cross-head communicating With said tubular stem and having a port opening upon one of said slideways, and a cooperating port in said slideway adapted to communicate with a vacuum pump, said ports being arranged to periodically register during the reciprocation of said crosshead and establish open communication between said sealed enclosure and said vacuum pump.

l5. In a machine of the class described, a pair of standards having slideways, a reciprocating cross-head supported in said slideways, a tubular stem on said crosshead, a cup-shaped member mounted on said stem adapted to complete a sealed enclosure Vabout a portion of a container to permit exhaustion of the air therefrom, a passage tubular stem and having Aa' upon one of said slideways, a cooperating port in said slideway adapted to periodically register with sald first mentioned port in the' reciprocation of said cross-head, a connection adapted to lead from said last ymentioned port to a'va-cuum pump, a valve controlling said connection, and means on the cross-head for actuating said valve, said valve being operabl arranged to alternatively connect sai passages and sealed enclosure with the vacuum pump and with the atmosphere.

16. In amachine of the class described,f a frame supporting a pair of slidewa s, one of said slideways being longitudinally adjustable, a reciprocating member operable in vsaid slideways, acra'nk shaft, a longitudinally adjustable driving connection be; tween said crank shaft and said member, a vacuum sealing head mounted on said memport ,opening ber, said member -having a passage connected with said sealing head and-opening upon said slidewa and a portl in said adjustable slideway adapted to communicate With vacuum pumping means and adapted to periodically register with said opening, said adjustable slidewaypermitting maintenance of a definite relation between said port and said opening in the various adjustable ranges of movement'of said reciprocating member.

17. A vacuum jar-sealing machine comprising; in combination, means for moving the jars longitudinally through the machine with a step-by-step motion, vacuum sealing means, and means for successively clamping the jars and adapted to form in lassociation with saidv sealing means closed chambers around the jars.

' 18. A vacuum jar capping machine having means for moving a series of jars longitudinally through the machine with a stepby-step motion, said means including a pair oit' elements rotating on spaced parallel axes, and means operatively associated with 'said elements and operable as a jar is moved into position between the elements to form a ring encircling said jar, and means coacting with said ring to forma closed chamber.

In. testimony whereof7 I have hereunto set my hand.

WILLIS J. PEELLE. 

